JP2009099057A - Mobile terminal device and character input method - Google Patents

Abstract

To input a desired character easily and intuitively without requiring a complicated operation from an operator.
A mobile terminal device (cell phone) for inputting character information using a touch panel unit 15 for displaying an operation input screen and a display unit 14 for displaying input information input via the operation input screen. Device) 10, the character information display control unit 35 for displaying the character information of a part of the region in the character pattern in which the character information to be input is arranged in a matrix on the operation input screen, and the operation And an input character information determination unit 34 for determining character information to be input in response to selection of character information being displayed on the input screen.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device and a character input method, and more particularly to a mobile terminal device having a touch panel as a user interface and a character input method using the same.

  Conventionally, a numeric keypad having a plurality of operation modes including a character input mode and a cursor operation mode has been provided. In the cursor operation mode, around the key that is the center of nine keys arranged in a matrix among the numeric keys. There has been proposed a mobile terminal device in which pressing of eight keys corresponds to movement of the cursor in four directions, up and down, right and left (see Patent Document 1, for example). In such a mobile terminal device, it is possible to input characters by using the cursor movement in eight directions with respect to the center of the numeric keypad.

On the other hand, in recent years, the usage environment of mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones has been increasing more and more, such as creation and editing of long documents such as stationary personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “PCs”) and word processors. Operations of business software such as spreadsheets are required. Conventionally, in order to respond to such an operation request for the mobile terminal device, a first display unit for displaying characters or images and a second display unit that also serves as a touch panel and displays characters or images are provided. A mobile terminal device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-122481 A JP 2003-224632 A

  However, in the mobile terminal device described in Patent Literature 1, when inputting characters, there are many screen transitions that are displayed until the target character is input, and the character input operation itself is complicated. There's a problem. On the other hand, in the mobile terminal device described in Patent Document 2, although different information is displayed on both the display units and the operability is improved by increasing the amount of information displayed, there is nothing about the character input operation itself. Not considered. For this reason, there is a problem that the operator has to perform a complicated character input operation in the same manner as a mobile terminal device having a normal input means.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and a mobile terminal device and a character input method capable of inputting a target character easily and intuitively without requiring a complicated operation from the operator. The purpose is to provide.

  The mobile terminal device of the present invention is a mobile terminal device that inputs character information using a touch panel that displays an operation input screen and a display that displays input information input via the operation input screen. The character information display control means for scrollably displaying the character information of a part of the area in the character pattern in which the character information to be input is arranged in a matrix on the operation input screen, and displayed on the operation input screen Input character information determining means for determining character information to be input in response to selection of character information therein.

  According to this configuration, the character information of a partial area in the character pattern in which the character information to be input is arranged in a matrix is displayed on the operation input screen in a scrollable manner, and the character being displayed on the operation input screen is displayed. Since the character information to be input is determined according to the selection of information, it is possible to input the target character easily and intuitively without requiring a complicated operation from the operator. In particular, it is possible to input a target character more easily and intuitively by making the arrangement of character information in the character pattern easy to understand intuitively by the operator.

  In the mobile terminal device of the present invention, the character information display control means includes a lower end and an upper end of the character pattern, and a left end and a right end of the character pattern. Are preferably displayed continuously in a scrollable manner. In this case, since the character pattern can be scrolled endlessly on the operation input screen, the target character can be searched from all directions, and the target character can be input more easily and intuitively. It becomes possible.

  In the mobile terminal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the character information display control means scrolls character information displayed on the operation input screen in accordance with a slide operation by an operator's finger. In this case, since the character information displayed on the operation input screen is scrolled according to the slide operation by the operator's finger, the target character can be easily displayed on the operation input screen.

  Furthermore, in the mobile terminal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the character information display control means changes a speed at which the character information displayed on the operation input screen is scrolled according to the strength of the slide operation. In this case, since the speed at which the character information displayed on the operation input screen is scrolled changes depending on the strength of the slide operation, the target character can be quickly displayed on the operation input screen.

  Furthermore, in the mobile terminal device of the present invention, it is preferable that the character information display control means enlarges and displays a specific portion of the character information being displayed on the operation input screen as compared with other portions. In this case, since the specific portion of the character information being displayed on the operation input screen is enlarged, the visibility of the character information displayed on the operation input screen can be improved.

  In the mobile terminal device of the present invention, the display may further include position information display control means for displaying the position of the character information being displayed on the operation input screen in the character pattern. In this case, since the position in the character pattern of the character information currently displayed on the operation input screen is displayed on the display, it is possible to easily grasp the position in the character pattern of the character information displayed on the operation input screen. It becomes. As a result, the operability by the operator can be improved.

  The mobile terminal device of the present invention may further include character information switching means for switching character information to be input according to an operation from the operator. In this case, the character information to be input can be easily switched, and even if the character information is different, the target character can be input quickly.

  Furthermore, in the mobile terminal device of the present invention, the character information display control means may include a plurality of types of character information in the character pattern. In this case, since a plurality of types of character information are included in the character pattern, it is possible to quickly input a target character without switching the character information for the character information included in the character pattern.

  The character input method of the present invention is a character input method in a mobile terminal device using a touch panel that displays an operation input screen and a display that displays input information input via the operation input screen, Character information to be input on the operation input screen is displayed in a scrollable manner so that character information in a partial area of the character pattern can be scrolled and input according to the selection of the character information being displayed on the operation input screen Character information to be processed is determined.

  According to this method, the character information of a partial area in the character pattern in which the character information to be input is arranged in a matrix is displayed on the operation input screen in a scrollable manner, and the character being displayed on the operation input screen is displayed. Since the character information to be input is determined according to the selection of information, it is possible to input the target character easily and intuitively without requiring a complicated operation from the operator. In particular, it is possible to input a target character more easily and intuitively by making the arrangement of character information in the character pattern easy to understand intuitively by the operator.

  In the character input method of the present invention, the lower end and the upper end of the character pattern and the left end and the right end of the character pattern can be scrolled continuously. It is preferable to display. In this case, since the character pattern can be scrolled endlessly on the operation input screen, the target character can be searched from all directions, and the target character can be input more easily and intuitively. It becomes possible.

  According to the mobile terminal device and the character input method according to the present invention, the character information of a part of the area in the character pattern in which the character information to be input is arranged in a matrix is displayed on the operation input screen in a scrollable manner. Since the character information to be input is determined according to the selection of the character information displayed on the operation input screen, the target character can be input easily and intuitively without requiring a complicated operation. It becomes possible to do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is embodied in a mobile terminal device will be described. However, the present invention can also be established as a character input method in the mobile terminal device.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile phone device (hereinafter simply referred to as “mobile phone”) as a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the case where the mobile terminal device is a mobile phone will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As will be described later, as long as a touch panel is provided as a user interface, the present invention can be applied to any mobile terminal device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment includes an upper body 12 and a lower body 13 configured to be foldable via a hinge portion 11. The upper main body 12 and the lower main body 13 are each provided with a display unit 14 and a touch panel unit 15 on surfaces that are arranged on the inner side when the cellular phone 10 is folded. An imaging device 16 that captures an image of the operator is incorporated below the display unit 14 in the upper body 12. Further, on the lower side of the touch panel portion 15 in the lower main body 13, three operation buttons 17 for receiving an operator's instruction input are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, the case where the touch panel unit 15 is provided only on the lower main body 13 is shown, but the configuration of the mobile phone 10 is shown here. It is not limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the upper body 12 may be provided with a touch panel unit instead of the display unit 14.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the touch panel unit 15 included in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel unit 15 includes a detection panel 21, a liquid crystal display panel 22, and a pressure sensor 23 provided on the lower main body 13. 2 shows a state in which the detection panel 21 and the liquid crystal display panel 22 are removed from the lower main body 13, but in actuality, the predetermined position of the lower main body 13 (the broken line position shown in FIG. 2). Used in a stacked state.

  The detection panel 21 is configured to output a plane coordinate value (X axis 24, Y axis 25) as a detection signal of contact with the operation surface and with a detected coordinate value of contact with the operation surface as a detection coordinate signal. ing. In addition, since the detection mechanism of the detection panel 21 is based on the existing technology of general touch panels, such as a resistive film type, an ultrasonic type, a photoelectric type, and an electrostatic capacitance type, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Here, since the detection panel 21 is disposed so as to overlap the liquid crystal display panel 22 disposed below, the detection panel 21 is made of a transparent (or translucent) material.

  The liquid crystal display panel 22 is configured by, for example, an LCD device (liquid crystal display device) with a backlight of an existing technology. As the display means of the touch panel unit 15, other existing technologies such as an EL (electroluminescence) display and a CRT (cathode ray tube) display can be applied.

  The pressure sensor 23 detects a pressing operation by the operator. In the present embodiment, the touch panel unit 15 is supported by the four pressure sensors 23. Then, the pressures detected by the four pressure sensitive sensors 23 are summed up and calculated as the pressure to the entire touch panel unit 15. The pressure-sensitive sensor 23 is configured to detect a strong pressing operation in which the operator strongly presses the operation surface in distinction from a weak pressing operation that traces the detection panel 21. For example, by setting the threshold value of the pressure-sensitive sensor 23 to a predetermined pressure so that the pressure-sensitive sensor 23 detects a strong pressing operation by an operation at a pressure larger than the threshold value of the pressure at which the detection panel 21 starts detection, A strong pressing operation and a weak pressing operation are distinguished.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment. Note that the functional blocks shown in FIG. 3 are simplified for explaining the present invention, and the mobile phone 10 has functions necessary for a normal mobile phone (for example, functions necessary for known character input, A function necessary for voice communication, a function necessary for transmission and reception of e-mails, a function necessary for driving the camera). In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile phone 10 includes a control unit 30 that controls the entire apparatus and a position detection unit 31 that detects the contact position of the operator from the output signal of the pressure sensor 23. Yes. The control unit 30 is detected by a first display control unit 32 that controls display on the liquid crystal display panel 22 of the touch panel unit 15, a second display control unit 33 that controls display on the display unit 14, and the position detection unit 31. The input character information determination unit 34 determines character information input from the contact position of the operator and the character information displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 22. In addition, the first display control unit 32 includes a character information display control unit 35 that displays on the liquid crystal display panel 22 character information of a partial area of a character pattern in which character information to be input is arranged in a matrix. ing. The second display control unit 33 includes a pseudo character pattern display control unit 36 that displays a pseudo character pattern indicating the position in the character pattern of the character information displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 22 on the display unit 14.

  In the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, a display screen for displaying input information input by the operator is displayed on the display unit 14. On the other hand, for example, an operation input screen for receiving input of character information or the like at the time of mail creation is displayed on the touch panel unit 15. In particular, the touch panel unit 15 displays, as an operation input screen, character information of a partial area of a character pattern in which an operator can input a target character easily and intuitively. For example, the character information displayed on the operation input screen is displayed while scrolling according to the slide operation by the operator's finger on the touch panel unit 15.

  For example, the character pattern has a configuration in which hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, and numbers can be switched and input. In each character pattern, character information to be input is arranged from the first row and the first column to the last row and the last column according to an arrangement that is easy for the operator to grasp intuitively. On the rear side (lower side and left side) of the last row and last column, the character information on the rear side from the first row and first column is displayed continuously, while the front side (upper side) of the first row and first column. On the right side), the character information on the front side from the last row and the last column is continuously displayed. That is, character information can be displayed endlessly on the touch panel unit 15.

  Here, the character information registered in each character pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. 4-7 is a figure which shows an example of the character pattern displayed on the touch-panel part 15 of the mobile telephone 10 which concerns on this Embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of a character pattern corresponding to Hiragana, and FIG. 5 shows an example of a character pattern corresponding to Katakana. FIG. 6 shows an example of a character pattern corresponding to an alphabetic character, and FIG. 7 shows an example of a character pattern corresponding to a number. 4 to 7, nine consecutive character patterns are shown for convenience of explanation.

  In the character pattern corresponding to the hiragana, as shown in FIG. 4, generally, the character information is arranged according to the Japanese syllabary diagram. That is, on the left side of the “a” line, the “ka” line, “sa” line, “ta” line, “na” line, “ha” line, “ma” line, “ya” line, “ra” line In addition, the character information of the “Wa” line (here, “Wa”, “Wo”, “N”, “B” and “°” are referred to as “Wa” lines) is arranged. In addition, the character information of the “I”, “U”, “E”, and “O” levels is arranged below the “A” level. And the character information from the “a” line to the left side is continuously displayed on the left side of the “wa” line, and the character information from the “wa” line to the right side is continuously displayed on the right side of the “a” line. The character information of the side is displayed. Similarly, the character information from the “O” level to the upper side is displayed continuously above the “A” level, and the characters from the “A” level to the lower side are continuously displayed below the “O” level. Information is displayed.

  In the character pattern corresponding to Katakana, Hiragana in the character pattern corresponding to Hiragana is replaced with Katakana as shown in FIG. That is, on the left side of “A” line, “K” line, “S” line, “T” line, “N” line, “Ha” line, “Ma” line, “Ya” line, “La” line In addition, character information of the “wa” line (here, “wa”, “wo”, “n”, “′”, and “°” are referred to as “wa” line) is arranged. Further, the character information of the “a” stage, the “c” stage, the “e” stage, and the “e” stage are arranged below the “a” stage. The character information from the left side of the “a” line is displayed continuously on the left side of the “wa” line, and the right side of the “a” line is continuously displayed from the “wa” line to the right side. The character information of the side is displayed. Similarly, the character information from the “O” level to the upper side is displayed continuously above the “A” level, and the characters from the “A” level to the lower side are continuously displayed below the “O” level. Information is displayed.

  In a character pattern corresponding to an alphabetic character, as shown in FIG. 6, generally, character information, which is a set for every four alphabets in descending order from “A”, is arranged from the right side to the left side. ing. That is, “E to H”, “I to L”, “M to P”, “Q to T”, “U to X”, and “Y, Z,! Character information of “and?” Is arranged. The character information on the left side from “A to D” is continuously displayed on the left side of “Y, Z,! And?”, And the character information on the right side of “A to D” is continuously displayed. Character information on the right side from “Y, Z,! And?” Is displayed. Similarly, “A”, “E”, “I”, “M”, “Q”, “U”, and “D”, “H”, “L” successively above “Y”. ”,“ P ”,“ T ”,“ X ”, and character information above“? ”Are displayed, and“ D ”,“ H ”,“ L ”,“ P ”,“ T ”,“ T ” In the lower part of “X” and “?”, “A”, “E”, “I”, “M”, “Q”, “U”, and the letters below “Y” Information is displayed.

  Furthermore, in the character pattern corresponding to the numbers, as shown in FIG. 7, character information is arranged according to the key arrangement of a general telephone device. That is, the character information “4-6”, “7-9”, and “#, 0, *” are arranged below “1-3”. And on the left side of “1”, “4”, “7”, and “#”, “3”, “6”, “9”, and “*” on the left side Character information is displayed. From “3”, “6”, “9”, and “*” to the right side, “1”, “4”, “7”, and “#” The character information on the right side is displayed. Similarly, the upper character information from “#, 0, *” is displayed continuously above “1-3”, and “1” is continuously displayed below “#, 0, *”. ”,“ 4 ”,“ 7 ”, and character information below“ # ”are displayed.

  In addition, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, a case is shown in which a character pattern having a configuration in which hiragana, katakana, alphabetic characters, and numbers can be switched and input is provided. However, the configuration of the character pattern is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, character patterns corresponding to hiragana, alphabetic characters, and numerals shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 may be connected to form one character pattern. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of character patterns corresponding to Hiragana, English letters, and numbers in this way. In FIG. 8, as in FIGS. 4 to 7, nine consecutive character patterns are shown for convenience of explanation. In the character pattern shown in FIG. 8, the character pattern corresponding to the alphabet shown in FIG. 6 is arranged on the lower left side of the character pattern corresponding to the hiragana shown in FIG. 4, and the right side of the character pattern corresponding to this alphabet FIG. 7 shows a case where character patterns corresponding to the numbers shown in FIG. 7 are arranged. As described above, when a plurality of types of character information are included in the character pattern, the target character can be quickly input without switching the character information for the character information included in the character pattern.

  Here, a configuration example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 14 of the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment and the operation input screen displayed on the touch panel unit 15 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 14 of the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment and an operation input screen displayed on the touch panel unit 15. In addition, in FIG. 9, the display example of the display part 14 and the touch panel part 15 at the time of mail creation in the mobile phone 10 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the display screen displayed on the display unit 14 displays a text display field 14a in which the input mail text is displayed, and word candidates corresponding to the characters input in the text display field 14a. Candidate selection field 14b, and a pseudo-character pattern display field 14c on which a pseudo-character pattern indicating the position in the character pattern of the character information displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 22 is displayed. In the text display field 14a, a cursor is displayed at the input position. The candidate selection field 14b is omitted when character information is not input to the text display field 14a, and the text display field 14a is enlarged. Furthermore, the pseudo character pattern display field 14c can be omitted by an operator's presetting. In this case, the text display column 14a and the candidate selection column 14b are enlarged and displayed as appropriate.

  A pseudo character pattern corresponding to the character pattern displayed on the touch panel unit 15 is displayed in the pseudo character pattern display field 14c. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when a character pattern corresponding to hiragana is displayed on the touch panel unit 15, a pseudo character pattern corresponding to an array of hiragana according to the Japanese syllabary diagram is displayed. The pseudo character pattern display field 14c displays the position of the character information arranged in the center on the touch panel unit 15 in the character pattern. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the character information “A” is displayed in the center on the touch panel unit 15, the portion of the first row of the first column in the pseudo character pattern (that is, “A” in the Japanese syllabary diagram). Blinks).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation input screen displayed on the touch panel unit 15 includes a character information display column 15a in which character information of a partial area of the character pattern described above is displayed, and a character information display column 15a. It consists of a direction key display field 15b in which a direction key for moving the position of displayed character information is displayed. In the direction key display field 15b, for example, a direction key for moving the position of the character information in the vertical and horizontal directions is displayed. Note that the cursor display field 15b can be omitted by an operator's prior setting. In this case, the character information display field 15a is enlarged and displayed.

  In the character information display column 15a, character information of a partial region of the character pattern corresponding to the selected character type is displayed. In the initial setting, a character pattern corresponding to hiragana is selected. Then, by instructing conversion of the character type to be input, the characters of the character pattern are switched in the order of katakana, alphabetic characters, and numbers, and the character information of a partial region of the selected character pattern is displayed. In the switched character pattern, each home position is arranged at the center of the touch panel unit 15. For example, in the character pattern corresponding to Hiragana, the character information “A” is the home position and is arranged at the center of the touch panel unit 15.

  In the character information display column 15a, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, nine pieces of character information arranged vertically and horizontally are displayed. These nine pieces of character information are character information that can be input by selection by the operator. Among the nine pieces of character information, the character information arranged at the center is enlarged and displayed in order to improve the visibility of the operator. The nine character information displayed in the character information display field 15a can be scrolled by the operator sliding his / her finger on the surface of the touch panel unit 15 in a desired direction. In particular, the scrolling speed can be changed by the strength of the pressing force applied to the touch panel unit 15.

  FIG. 9 shows a case where the character information of a partial area of the character pattern corresponding to the hiragana is displayed, and particularly shows a case where the character information “A” is displayed in an enlarged manner. From the state shown in FIG. 9, for example, when it is desired to display the character information “ha”, the character information “ha” is slid to the left side (or right side) by sliding the finger in contact with the surface of the touch panel unit 15. It is possible to display a character pattern area including “”. Similarly, when it is desired to display the character information “to”, the finger touching the surface of the touch panel unit 15 is slid to the lower left side (or the upper left side, the lower right side and the lower right side). It is possible to display a character pattern area including the information “to”.

  Note that, as described above, instructions that can be input to the operation buttons 17 arranged on the lower side of the touch panel unit 15 are changed according to the operation content of the mobile phone 10. At the time of mail creation as shown in FIG. 9, a character type conversion function to be input is assigned to the operation button 17a arranged on the left side, and the inputted character is inputted to the operation button 17b arranged in the center. The clear function is assigned, and the operation button 17c arranged on the right side is assigned the function of moving the cursor to the home position for determining the input character.

  Hereinafter, the operation when inputting characters in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams for explaining the operation when inputting characters in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment. Note that character input using the character pattern as described above (hereinafter referred to as “character pattern input” as appropriate) is selected from the character input method setting screen by the operator. The character pattern input is selected, for example, instead of the known 2-touch input, 5-touch input, and handwriting input.

  In the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, when creating a mail, when character pattern input is selected from the character input method setting screen, as shown in FIG. Character information of a partial area of the character pattern is displayed in the information display field 15a. In the character pattern displayed in the character information display field 15a, the character information (9 character information centered on the character information “a”) of a part of the character pattern corresponding to the hiragana character is displayed, and the home position is displayed. The character information “A” is enlarged and displayed. In FIG. 10A, since no character information is input to the text display field 14a, only the text display field 14a and the pseudo character pattern display field 14c are displayed on the display unit 14. Show. In the pseudo-character pattern display field 14c, pseudo-character patterns corresponding to the hiragana array are displayed, and the position corresponding to the character information “A” is in a blinking state.

  Assume that the operator wishes to input character information “su” from the state shown in FIG. In this case, by moving the finger that has been in contact with the surface of the touch panel unit 15 to the lower left side, a character pattern region including character information “su” is displayed as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the character pattern is moved so that the distance to move the finger is the shortest. In FIG. 10B, nine character information items centered on the character information “su” are displayed, and the character information “su” is displayed in an enlarged manner. By touching the enlarged character information “su” again, the character information “su” is determined as input character information. As a result, “su” is displayed in the text display field 14a and the candidate selection field 14b is displayed. FIG. 10B shows a case where “schedule” is displayed as a word candidate corresponding to “su” in the candidate selection column 14b. Further, in the pseudo character pattern display field 14c, the position corresponding to the character information “su” is in a blinking state.

  It is assumed that the operator desires to input the character information “NO” from the state shown in FIG. In this case, by moving the finger that has been in contact with the surface of the touch panel unit 15 to the lower left side, as shown in FIG. 10C, a character pattern region including character information “NO” is displayed. In FIG. 10C, nine character information items centered on the character information “NO” are displayed, and the character information “NO” is displayed in an enlarged manner. By touching the enlarged character information “NO” again, the character information “NO” is determined as the input character information. Thereby, “SUNO” is displayed in the text display field 14a. FIG. 10C shows a case where “snow”, “snowboard”, and “snowboard” are displayed in the candidate selection column 14b as word candidates corresponding to “suno”. In the pseudo character pattern display field 14c, the position corresponding to the character information “NO” is in a blinking state.

  Assume that the operator wishes to input the character information “ko” from the state shown in FIG. In this case, by moving the finger that has been in contact with the surface of the touch panel unit 15 to the right side, as shown in FIG. 10D, a character pattern area including the character information “ko” is displayed. In FIG. 10D, nine pieces of character information centered on the character information “ko” are displayed, and the character information “ko” is displayed in an enlarged manner. By touching the enlarged character information “ko” again, the character information “ko” is determined as input character information. As a result, “Sunoko” is displayed in the text display field 14a. FIG. 10D shows a case where “Sunoko” and “Sunoko” are displayed in the candidate selection column 14b as word candidates corresponding to “Sunoko”. In the pseudo character pattern display field 14c, the position corresponding to the character information “ko” is in a blinking state. When the text of the mail is confirmed with the character information input in this way, the mail creation is completed by selecting a confirmation button (not shown).

  Here, it is assumed that the operator wishes to return to the home position from the state shown in FIG. In this case, by selecting the operation button 17c, as shown in FIG. 11A, a character pattern area including the character information “A” as the home position is displayed. In FIG. 11A, nine pieces of character information centered on the character information “A” are displayed, and the character information “A” is enlarged and displayed. In this case, the display of the candidate selection column 14b disappears in a state where “SUNKO” is displayed in the text display column 14a. In the pseudo character pattern display field 14c, the position corresponding to the character information “A” is again blinked.

  Then, it is assumed that the operator desires conversion of the character type to be input from the state shown in FIG. In this case, by selecting the operation button 17a, as shown in FIG. 11B, the character type to be input is converted from hiragana to katakana, and a part of the character pattern corresponding to the katakana is displayed in the character information display field 15a. The character information (9 character information centered on the character information “A”) is displayed, and the character information “A” which is the home position is displayed in an enlarged manner. In FIG. 11 (b), in this case, the text display field 14a is maintained in a state where “snow” is displayed. In the pseudo character pattern display field 14c, the position corresponding to the character information “A” is in a blinking state.

  Further, it is assumed that the operator desires conversion of the character type to be input from the state shown in FIG. In this case, by selecting the operation button 17a again, as shown in FIG. 11C, the character type to be input is converted from Katakana to English, and a character pattern corresponding to the English character is displayed in the character information display field 15a. Character information (9 character information centered on the character information “A”) is displayed, and the character information “A” which is the home position is enlarged and displayed. In FIG. 11C, in this case, the text display field 14a is maintained in a state in which “Sunoko” is displayed. In the pseudo character pattern display field 14c, the position corresponding to the character information “A” is in a blinking state.

  Furthermore, it is assumed that the operator desires conversion of the character type to be input from the state shown in FIG. In this case, by selecting the operation button 17a again, as shown in FIG. 11D, the character type to be input is converted from an alphabetic character to a number, and one character pattern corresponding to the number is displayed in the character information display field 15a. Character information (9 character information centered on the character information “5”) is displayed, and the character information “5” which is the home position is enlarged. In FIG. 11 (d), in this case, the text display field 14a is maintained in a state where “snow” is displayed. In the pseudo character pattern display field 14c, the position corresponding to the character information “5” is in a blinking state.

  As described above, according to the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, the character information of a partial area in the character pattern in which the character information to be input is arranged in a matrix on the operation input screen of the touch panel unit 15 is scrolled. Character information that can be displayed and input according to the selection of the character information that is being displayed on the operation input screen is determined, so that the purpose is simple and intuitive without requiring complicated operations from the operator. Can be input. In particular, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, the character information in the character pattern is arranged in an easily understandable manner by the operator. It becomes possible to input.

  Moreover, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, the lower end and the upper end of the character pattern are continuously connected to the left end and the right end of the character pattern. Because it is displayed in a scrollable manner, the character pattern can be scrolled endlessly on the operation input screen, so that the target character can be searched from all directions, making the target character easier and more intuitive. Can be entered.

  In particular, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, since the speed of scrolling the character information displayed on the operation input screen is changed according to the strength of the slide operation, the target character can be input quickly. It can be displayed on the screen.

  Moreover, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, since the position in the character pattern of the character information being displayed on the operation input screen is displayed on the display unit 14, it is displayed on the operation input screen. It becomes possible to easily grasp the position of the character information in the character pattern. As a result, the operability by the operator can be improved.

  Further, in the mobile phone 10 according to the present embodiment, an operation button 17a for switching character information to be input according to an operation from the operator is provided. As a result, the character information to be input can be easily switched, and even the character information of different character types can be input quickly.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the range which exhibits the effect of this invention, it can change and implement variously. Further, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention.

  For example, in the said embodiment, it has shown about the case where the mobile telephone 10 is provided with the two screen display parts 14 and the touchscreen part 15 which were provided separately. However, the configuration of the display unit 14 and the touch panel unit 15 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the display unit 14 and the touch panel unit 15 may be provided on one screen. Even in such a change, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the above embodiment.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, an example of the character pattern which arranged the character information so that an operator can understand intuitively is shown. However, the arrangement of the character information in the character pattern is not limited to these specific examples, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, in a character pattern corresponding to an alphabetic character, character information may be arranged according to the arrangement of a PC keyboard. In this case, it becomes possible to provide the mobile phone 10 capable of inputting a target character more easily and intuitively for an operator accustomed to inputting characters on a PC.

1 is a perspective view of a mobile phone as a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the touchscreen part with which the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment is provided. It is a functional block diagram of the mobile phone which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the character pattern displayed on the touchscreen part of the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the character pattern displayed on the touchscreen part of the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the character pattern displayed on the touchscreen part of the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the character pattern displayed on the touchscreen part of the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of the character pattern displayed on the touchscreen part of the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of the display screen displayed on the display part of the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment, and the operation input screen displayed on a touchscreen part. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement in the case of performing character input in the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement in the case of performing character input in the mobile telephone which concerns on the said embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Mobile terminal device (mobile phone)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Hinge part 12 Upper side body 13 Lower side body 14 Display part 15 Touch panel part 16 Imaging device 17 Operation button 21 Detection panel 22 Liquid crystal display panel 23 Pressure sensor 30 Control part 31 Position detection part 32 1st display control part 33 2nd display Control unit 34 Input character information determination unit 35 Character information display control unit 36 Pseudo character pattern display control unit

Claims (10)

A mobile terminal device that inputs character information using a touch panel that displays an operation input screen and a display that displays input information input via the operation input screen,
Character information display control means for scrollably displaying character information of a part of a region in a character pattern in which character information to be input is arranged in a matrix on the operation input screen, and being displayed on the operation input screen A mobile terminal device comprising: input character information determining means for determining character information to be input in response to selection of character information.   The character information display control means displays the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the character pattern, and the left end portion and the right end portion of the character pattern so as to be continuously scrollable. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein:   The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the character information display control means scrolls character information displayed on the operation input screen in accordance with a slide operation by an operator's finger.   4. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the character information display control means changes a speed at which the character information displayed on the operation input screen is scrolled according to the strength of the slide operation.   The said character information display control means enlarges and displays the specific part of the character information currently displayed on the said operation input screen compared with another part, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Mobile terminal device.   The position information display control means which displays the position in the said character pattern of the character information currently displayed on the said operation input screen on the said display is further provided, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Mobile terminal device.   The mobile terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising character information switching means for switching character information to be input in response to an operation from an operator.   The mobile terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the character information display control means includes a plurality of types of character information in the character pattern. A character input method in a mobile terminal device using a touch panel that displays an operation input screen and a display that displays input information input via the operation input screen,
Character information to be input on the operation input screen is displayed in a scrollable manner so that the character information of a partial area of the character pattern arranged in a matrix form, and according to the selection of the character information being displayed on the operation input screen A character input method characterized by determining character information to be input. The lower end portion and the upper end portion of the character pattern, and the left end portion and the right end portion of the character pattern are displayed in a continuously scrollable manner. 9. The character input method according to 9.

Images